The Wild Atlantic Way featured on National Geographic Traveller’s ‘Cool List 2024’

The Wild Atlantic Way which stretches from Donegal to Cork has been recognised as one of the thirty must-see destinations in the world, according to National Geographic.

The Prestigious travel magazine National Geographic Traveller (UK) has unveiled its ‘Cool List 2024’ and the Wild Atlantic Way features on the list.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 10th anniversary next year and it is recognised as one of the ‘longest-defined coastal routes in the world’ and ‘one of Europe’s most exciting road trips.’

The 2,600 km coastal route which stretches from Muff to Kinsale and passes through nine counties has been listed on National Geographic Traveller's annual ‘Cool List.’

The coastal route is divided into fourteen sections and is home to many must-see attractions and breathtaking picturesque views. The Wild Atlantic Way is widely recognised for promoting sustainable travel and preserving heritage in the west coast of Ireland. 

Donegal forms 500km of the driving route and is home to 39 beautiful attractions, along the route, you can view Ireland’s most northern point Malin Head, Fanad Lighthouse, The Inishowen Peninsula, Inishbofin Island, Arranmore Island, Cnoc Fola, Donegal Bay and The Slieve League coast. National Geographic even gave Donegal a special mention describing Fanad Head as ‘the edge-of-the-world lighthouse.’ 

“Winding for 1,600 miles along the rugged west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way has become one of Europe’s most exciting road trips, not least because it ticks off some of Ireland’s most memorable experiences,” National Geographic Traveller said. 

“It’s celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, and a string of new experiences along its route means there’s more to enjoy than ever.”

This recognition comes following National Geographic naming Donegal as ‘the coolest place on the planet’ in 2017. Additionally, Carrickfinn Airport which is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way has been recognised as ‘the most scenic landing in the world’ for three years consecutively. 

Recently, Lonely Planet also acknowledged Donegal as ‘the fourth best travel destination in the world.’ Among the factors contributing to Donegal's inclusion on the LonelyPlanet list are the seacliffs at Sliabh Liag, which are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe and "miles of unspoilt coastal hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way."

National Geographic Traveller's annual "Cool List" displays the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024. Belfast in county Antrim was also recognised on the list, which displayed two Irish destinations out of thirty destinations featured worldwide.

“I’m delighted that the Wild Atlantic Way and Belfast have been included in National Geographic Traveller’s ‘Cool List 2024’. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way,” Alice Mansergh, Tourism Ireland’s Chief Executive Designate, said while welcoming the news.

“Of course, the heritage and scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way span millennia but it’s certainly nice to take a moment to celebrate this iconic route, which came together into one 10 years ago next year  

“Accolades like this give Tourism Ireland another great hook to continue to promote the Wild Atlantic Way and the island of Ireland around the world as a ‘must see’ destination.”

Some of the other destinations featured on National Geographic Traveller's annual ‘Cool List’ include Pompeii, Italy; The Atacama Desert, Chile; Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar and Sikkim, India.